A NEW LUXURY apartment complex in Frodsham has 'degraded' the historic market town, say residents.

Townsfolk took borough plan-ners to task for approving the style of the development built on the site of the Bridge Inn after it was demolished.

One resident said he was shocked by the scale and style of the building that emerged on the Bridge Lane site, adding: 'It just degrades Frodsham.'

Town councillor Frank Pennington reminded residents that notices were posted on proposed building sites and local development plans were also available for viewing at Frod-sham Town Council office in Castle Park.

He said: 'There are plenty of opportunities for people to air their views.'

Vale Royal's director of planning and building control, Richard Ellison, said that by next year all planning applications would be on the borough council's website.

'But if anyone has problems over this, come and talk to us and we will do everything we can to make sure your views are put forward,' he added.

The criticisms came during a presentation given by Mr Ellison on the planning process and how the borough council considers the design, function and impact of new buildings on the immediate area.

Mr Ellison defended the council's decision saying: 'I under-stand people have got some concerns about this, but there were few objections from residents to the planning application, and most of those were to do with access.'